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ONE STOP FOR DENTAL HEALTH

Saturday, February 5, 2011

BRUXISM OR GRINDING TEETH

Bruxism is a condition where in you clench your upper and lower teeth or grind your teeth.

It is an act of involuntary teeth grinding either while awake or asleep.

There is nocturnal bruxism wherein people tend to grind their teeth during sleep causing sleep disorders.

Bruxism is a habit obtained when someone is under stress, anxiety or depression.

Bruxism can ultimately lead to wear patterns of the enamel of teeth which results in sensitivity, gum recession, loosening of teeth and finally tooth loss.

It causes temporomandibular joint pain which is the joint of the jaw and leads to fatigue of muscles involved in clenching and grinding. It can also cause ear ache as TMJ is very close to ear canal, sleeplessness and headache.

Treatment for Bruxism:

Apply ice or wet heat to the strained muscles

Drink plenty of water

Practice good and sound sleep

Try to reduce your daily stress and take time for relaxation

Massage the muscles of neck, shoulder and face

Your dentist can help you prevent grinding your teeth by providing mouthguards that can be worn in both upper and lower teeth during nights to prevent unconscious grinding of teeth.

The worn out teeth can be treated by covering them with prosthetic crowns and to prevent further damage to the new crowns, occlusal guards can be fabricated to wear during sleep.